About Me

Originally from Massillon, Ohio, I was raised by my grandparents and graduated from Tuslaw High School in 2009. My formative years were deeply influenced by my involvement with Myers United Church of Christ and Outdoor Ministries through the Heartland Conference UCC. These experiences nurtured my commitment to community and faith from a young age.

I pursued higher education at Ohio University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in French Literature and Culture in August 2012. During my time at Ohio University, I gained valuable experience working with Residential Housing and the University Program Council, which equipped me with skills in experiential education, community development, and event planning.

Following graduation, I returned to Massillon and engaged in various career paths, including outdoor education and service management. A significant chapter of my journey included a summer in Italy, where I pursued a dream of becoming a professional opera singer. However, it was not until 2016, when I assumed the role of Chair of the Division of Outdoor Ministries for the Heartland Conference UCC, that I began to truly understand my calling.

In 2018, after two years of reflection and discernment, I enrolled in the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary (UDTS) and began my studies in the Fall 2019 semester. While at UDTS, I served as Vice-Moderator and Moderator of the Student Council and developed meaningful relationships with peers and mentors. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led me to return to Akron, Ohio in May 2020, I continued my journey and completed my Master of Arts in Christian Leadership in May 2021.

In August 2023, I embarked on a Chaplain Residency, where I have completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and gained extensive experience in palliative and oncology care. As of August 4, 2024, I was ordained into Christian Ministry in the Living Water Association of the United Church of Christ..

Outside of my professional life, I cherish time with my dog, Huckleberry Finneas (Finn), enjoy hiking, kayaking, playing pickleball, and savoring French cinema. My passions for camping and volunteering with youth remain strong. Although I no longer pursue a career in opera, I continue to enjoy singing, learning music, and collaborating with fellow musicians. My guilty pleasures include RuPaul’s Drag Race, indulging in ice cream, and taking leisurely naps on rainy afternoons.